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April 2018April 2018April 2018April 2018

PASTOR KEVIN’S WELL OF LIVING WATER: BEING A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY

As many of you know our deacons and members of our church council have been meeting with Lynn Sasser, Executive Leader for the BSCNC (Baptist State Convention of North

Carolina). Lynn currently serves as Executive Leader for the Evangelism and Discipleship Group. He previously served as executive leader for the Congregational Services Group and has been employed by the Convention in July 1999 and served as a consultant on the Church Planting Team and Team Leader for Associational Partnerships prior to his current assignment. A native of North Carolina, Lynn served as a local church pastor for 20 years followed by three years as an associational director of missions before coming to the Convention. Lynn and his wife Deborah have three children and two grandchildren. Lynn has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from James Madison University, and both the master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We are so fortunate to be part of a convention that employs quality folks with a skill set that Lynn possesses and utilizes to help churches mobilize, revitalize, envision, and gain health to become more effective for the kingdom of God. At our last joint meeting, Lynn encouraged our church to come together as leaders and form “Prayer Triplets” so as to enter a season of deeper prayer together (for about 3 months) before we meet with him again. This agenda is in perfect concert with the weekly Prayer Gathering meetings that we started on March 18th. Even though the “Prayer Triplets” are separate from the Prayer Gatherings that meet weekly at 2:00 pm every Sunday, I believe the key hinge pin or catalyst for what I believe God wants to do next at our church will begin to be revealed in these two separate prayerful opportunities. What is a “Prayer Triplet” you ask? Each of our deacons and members of our church council will be asked to recruit two or three other members in our church (non-deacon/church council member) to join their group and meet once a week for 14 weeks utilizing a prayer guide (created by the convention). If you have not been asked to be a part of one of these “Prayer Triplet” groups and would like to participate, please do not hesitate to contact me (Pastor Kevin) as I would be more than glad to create or assign you to a “Prayer Triplet” group and explain to you how it works. I want to challenge each of our members to do two things leading up to your first week of being involved in a “Prayer Triplet” group: 1) ask God “Now that I have heard a 3-part sermon on CHANGE, what one change would you like to make in me to help your church become more healthy, effective, powerful, vibrant, and fruitful in reaching others for Jesus Christ and 2) I encourage you to attend as many of these Prayer Gathering meetings and “Prayer Triplet” meetings as you possibly for the purpose of praying for healing from past hurts, that Parkway

would come together as a vibrant community of believers that our neighbors have never seen before and that God would reveal His vision to us and that we would obey it. Remember, the church will only be as powerful as the gift of prayer is utilized. In fact, the model Jesus envisioned for His church was given when He said, “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). I believe God is entering us into a SEASON of COMING TOGTHER in which only prayer will serve as the bond or glue that will accomplish this at a great magnitude. Our theme as a church for 2018 is: A YEAR OF “GLUING” TOGETHER. God delights in a cohesive and unified body; where there is solidarity and a joy of being around one another and working together on His vision. Loving one another and coming together GIVES GOD GLORY as well as will benefits us long-term. Phil Jackson, former coach of the Chicago Bulls who won 6 NBA titles with Michael Jordan on that team once said, “GOOD TEAMS BECOME GREAT ONES WHEN THE MEMBERS TRUST EACH OTHER ENOUGH TO SURRENDER THE ME FOR THE WE” Henry Ford is known to have said: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Coming together is a secret ingredient in Jesus’ well of living water. Coming together brings new life to a community of believers. Let’s pray for each other not only when we are apart from the other, but let’s also spend time praying together. The following again are prayer opportunities:

Prayer Gathering: Every Sunday from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary Prayer Triplets: Coming soon through an invite near you! Hope to see you there! Until next time, do the 1 Thessalonians 5:11 thing: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

Pastor Kevin VaLeu

UPCOMING EVENTS TO INVITE SOMEONE

�Easter Cantata by Parkway Choir on April 1st

@ 11 am service.

�Special Music Guest: Caleb Serrano. Six year old singer featured on Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots”

coming April 15th @ 11 am service.

�Nutri�on & Kids Seminar on April 21st, 10 – 12 in the conference room

by Nutritionist Leah Davis.

�Kevin Clapp: Evangelist, founder of God Strong Ministries and member of Faith Force will be coming to speak on May 20th @ 11 am service.

�Carolina Boys Quartet coming July 22nd @ 11 am service.

�SHIPWRECKED Vaca�on Bible School (June 24th – 28th 6:30-8:30 pm)

(Grades: Must have completed Kindergarten through must be entering 6th grade in the fall)

Please “Like Us” on Facebook to help publicize and for more information on these specials events.

The following is a new article I came across and I wanted to share it with you. So many times we make excuses of why we don’t like to sing a new song. I’m hoping this will help us all to see of how we can open our minds and enjoy the action of worship. WHY WE NEED TO SING IN WORSHIP EVEN WHEN WE DON’T KNOW OR LIKE THE SONG By Chuck Lawless I’ve been there, and you likely have, also. You’ve never heard the song your church is singing. Or, you’ve heard it but don’t like it. The temptation is to silently mimic the words or not to sing at all. Here’s why we need to sing anyway:

1. It’s right to sing God’s praises. Even if it’s not our favorite song, it’s right to join the people of God in singing God’s praises (Psa. 96). He delights in the singing of His people.

2. Not singing sends the wrong signal. Here’s what it could look like . . . anger . . . burden . . . distraction. Worse yet, it comes across as arrogance. And, if you’re not singing just because you don’t like the song, that really does border on arrogance.

3. Some songs you don’t like are quite biblical. Most of us choose songs we like on the basis of the style and the melody, not on the words. Sometimes the songs we don’t like are straight out of the Bible – so not singing them takes on more significance.

4. We can learn a song best by singing it. I now love some songs I didn’t like when I first heard them, and I’m glad I at least tried to sing them. The same can happen for you.

5. We model worship for others as we sing. All of us model something by the way we worship. Some show the joy of encountering God. Others make worshiping God look boring and disconnected. Singing helps others to worship Him well.

6. Singing with the rest of the congregation promotes and reflects unity. Churches already struggle enough with internal conflict. Sometimes, in fact, members who don’t sing are intentionally sending a signal of disapproval and division. Don’t play that game.

7. Singing encourages the ones leading the singing. Few things are as discouraging for worship leaders as looking at a congregation with non-singers – and, from what I understand from worship leaders, they

seldom miss seeing them. We don’t really hide our silence.

Director Of Music and Worship Ministries

Thanks to my Sunday School class, my deacon Jean Coward, and to all who visited, sent cards, emails, texts, food, flowers, gift basket, gift card, and especially for your prayers before, during, and after my surgery. I am still in recovery and Tom and I are grateful for the outpouring of spiritual love and support during this time. "Thanks" to my Parkway family. Sharon Smith

Susan’s Scribbles

I’ve been thinking about criticism lately—how easy it is to express my displeasure about something. Our culture encourages us to do this. We frequently find ourselves around someone who is fussing and complaining. Social media is full of people being critical of people’s looks, opinions and actions. While criticism seems inescapable, the reality is that criticism does very little to change anything. It may make the one being criticized angry or feel bad but it seldom makes them change. Criticism is defined as the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes, the act of passing judgment. Notice the definition says perceived faults or mistakes not always actual faults or mistakes. The criticism I am talking about is not the kind where we are actively trying to help someone do better. I’m not talking about correcting a child’s table manners or helping a co-worker become a better speaker. The criticism I am talking about is the harping and complaining when we don’t like the way something is going. I’m talking about the ridicule and belittling from the sidelines with no intent of helping out. This kind of criticism is pervasive in our society. It is so easy to fall into a habit of just being critical. I struggle with this all the time. By nature, I am a problem solver so I am very seldom in a situation where I can’t see a way to do something better. I can easily fall into a critical attitude fueled by impatience and frustration. I think scripture tells us that this is not the proper stance for Christians. There are many verses that tell us that we are to build each other up in the body of Christ, not tear each other down. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (NLT) Hebrews 10:24 tells us, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (NLT) It is the work of the Christian to be the kind of person who helps not hinders. I think this is particularly important in a church setting. Obviously, we all have different opinions on things. That is good because it allows us to consider different perspectives and helps us make informed decisions. It takes grace to consider others more important than ourselves and sometimes we just want to take a shortcut and be critical and judgmental. I want to issue a challenge to you. Try not to say anything critical for one week. Every time you start to say something that is just griping and complaining, stop. This is not something that will come naturally to any of us. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we will be successful. We must pray for the Lord’s help in tackling this problem. As I write this I am about half way into my week. It has not been easy and I’ve learned that I am more critical than I realized. If you accept the challenge, let me know how things went for you so we can encourage each other. If we can change our attitudes into more positive ones I think it will make a difference in our church and in all our relationships.

Baptist Children’s Homes Food/Supplies Roundup

April 1 – May 1, 2018

A list of needed supplies can be obtained from the missions table or from the church office. Sunday School classes and individuals may want to consider providing a gift card from Walmart, Sam’s Club, Lowes’ Foods or Food Lion for the purchase of perishables and items not received. Charles Stovall with BCH is really encouraging everyone to consider this alternative. Please place any donations in the box near the missions table. Gift cards may be turned in to Felicity Gordon or to the church office. Please bring food & gift cards no later than May 1!

Prayer & Ministry Group

The April meeting of the Prayer & Ministry group will be held at 10:45 am on April 26 in the Conference Room. Please bring $1.00 for Rohingya refugees. In addition, please choose 3 items from the Baptist Children’s Homes Food Roundup list. Bring these items to the meeting. For our April ministry project, we will be stuffing pillows for Women’s Hospital during our meeting. If you have sewn pillows, please bring them on or before April 26. If you would be willing to sew some pillows, contact Becki Kellam. Lunch will be provided by Liz’s lunch group. All ladies who are interested in missions and ministry are encouraged to attend. Members, invite a friend!

Share the Change Update

Special thanks to all those who gave so generously to the recent Share the Change Campaign for the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center. We collected $819.40 which is great for a church of our size. Your faithful giving is much appreciated by GPCC and you are afforded the satisfaction of knowing you support the rights of the unborn and have compassion for those who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

Hereafter...

The preacher told me the other day I should be thinking about the Hereafter.

I told him. “I do, all the time. No matter where I am—in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen, or in the basement. I’m

always asking myself, ‘Now, what am I here after?’

Look Up...

The substitute teacher was struggling to open a lock on the Sunday school supply cabinet. She'd been told the combination

but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help.

When the minister began to twist the dial, he paused after the first couple of numbers and stared blankly. Finally he

looked heavenward and his lips moved silently, then he looked back at the lock, turned to the final numbers, and clicked open the

hasp.

The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe of your faith, Pastor"

"It's really nothing," he responded. "The numbers are on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

THE CHURCH ON MISSION: KNOWING AND DOING MISSIONSTHE CHURCH ON MISSION: KNOWING AND DOING MISSIONSTHE CHURCH ON MISSION: KNOWING AND DOING MISSIONSTHE CHURCH ON MISSION: KNOWING AND DOING MISSIONS

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APRIL

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

USHERS

1st Team 1

Jimmy Davis

Diana Davis

Ed Moody

Team 2

8th Susie Doss

Bobby Doss

Brandon VaLeu

Ed Hubbart

Tom Smith

15th Team 3

Bobby Daniel

Darlene Daniel

Ron Gordon

Paul Curry

22nd Team 4

Craig Navey

Barbara Seay

29th Team 1

Jimmy Davis

Diana Davis

Ed Moody

Deacons

1st Darlene Daniel

Norris Davis

8th Georgia Gaines

Nicki Dodd

15th Gladys Redner

Bobby Doss

22nd Jean Coward

Georgia Gaines

29th Nicki Dodd

Ron Gordon

† A mark of spiritual maturity is

the quiet confidence that God is

in control—without the need to

understand why He does what He

does.... Charles Swindoll

4/1 Gina Johnson

4/1 Ruth Loftis

4/5 Kevin Loftis

4/8 Jane Goodwin

4/10 Allison Jobe

4/11 Ally Marie Leggett

4/11 Riley Elise Leggett

4/12 Lea Ann Greer

4/13 Susie Doss

4/14 Brittany Tilley

4/18 Matt Kanoy

4/18 Helen Pike

4/20 Treva Henley

4/21 J E Moore

4/23 Anita Benkovic

4/24 James Arledge, Jr.

4/26 Kathryn Curry

Please notify the Church

Office if we have omitted your name or have your birthday listed

Incorrectly.

APRIL

WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00AM

1st (Babies & Toddlers)

Donna Burton Georgia Gaines (Two, Threes, & Fours)

Sarah Caldwell

8th (Babies & Toddlers)

Felicity Gordon Darlene Daniel (Two, Threes, & Fours)

John Small

15th (Babies & Toddlers)

Barbara Seay Logan Lipford (Two, Threes, & Fours)

Tracy VaLeu Shana Doss 22nd (Babies & Toddlers)

Dare Tinnin Susie Doss (Two, Threes, & Fours)

Johannah Welch Gina Johnson 29th (Babies & Toddlers)

Lea Ann Greer

(Two, Threes, & Fours)

Kathy Roberson Diana Davis

Office Door

Barbara Moody

Fellowship Door

Barbara Harris

Door Keeper

Ed Hubbart

Anita Benkovic

1612 Gracewood Drive

Greensboro, NC 27408

336-609-3344

1411 Benjamin Parkway

Greensboro

North Carolina

27408-4518

Phone 336-288-2710

Email info@parkwaygso.org

Website www.parkwaygso.org

Our Church Staff

Senior Pastor

Pastor Kevin VaLeu

kevinvaleu@parkwaygso.org

Administrative Secretary

Libby Boggs

info@parkwaygso.org

Financial Secretary

Amber Bolling

Director of Music & Worship Ministries

Chip Holden

chipholden@parkwaygso.org

Director of Discipleship & Church Ministries

Susan Small

Susansmall@parkwaygso.org

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